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March 18, 2013

The Law and Your Home

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Avoiding Liability

What should I do if someone is injured on my property?

First and foremost, do all you can to helpexpress concern, ask what injuries might have been suffered, make the victim as comfortable as possible, call for medical assistance, etc. Do not, however, say anything to suggest or admit guilt or negligence. While it is natural to empathize with the injured party and want to soothe any pain and suffering, as well as your own feelings of guilt, it is not a good idea to complicate your potential liability with such statements. Rather, leave it up to the law to decide who was responsible.

Notify your insurer in writing (and speak to your attorney) as soon as possible. Do not talk with the other party or their attorney about liability until you have taken these steps. You may well decide later to offer to defray some medical bills of the injured party, but do this after you have had the chance to review the situation with a clearer head and the appropriate parties.